Ten years back, George Shelley secured the second position on the reality show “I’m a Celebrity” after gaining fame in the X Factor boy band Union J. However, facing financial struggles, he resorted to working shifts at a coffee shop to make ends meet. This unexpected turn of events eventually reignited his passion for music.
George, now 32, initially rose to public attention in 2012 through his solo audition on The X Factor. Despite being eliminated during the bootcamp phase, he later reappeared at judges’ houses as a member of Union J, which finished fourth in the competition.
Subsequently, George participated in I’m a Celeb in 2015, finishing as the runner-up. The following year, he departed from Union J to explore opportunities in acting and broadcasting, including a stint on The Capital Breakfast Show for fourteen months and guest appearances on shows like Benidorm.
Presently, George is part of a new band called Lightlines. Prior to this venture, he found himself working at a local coffee shop due to exhausting his earnings from music and television endeavors. Reflecting on this period, he mentioned engaging in social media work, video editing, and barista duties to sustain himself.
Although George admitted his lack of expertise as a barista, he acknowledged the pivotal role the coffee shop, Chi Chi’s in Enfield, North London, played in reconnecting him with his musical aspirations. It was there that he met Alex Pothecary, his boss and now the guitarist for Lightlines, who possessed a Master’s degree in musical composition.
Soon after, George crossed paths with Will Jackson, who became the band’s drummer, in another coffee shop. The trio’s collaboration resonated with George, prompting him to channel his introspective songwriting into the band’s music.
In July of this year, Lightlines released their debut single, “Wasted,” drawing inspiration from George’s personal experiences, including the loss of his sister in 2017. George shared that amidst grief and industry setbacks, he resorted to unhealthy coping mechanisms before embracing sobriety to focus on his musical journey.
Looking ahead, the band is gearing up for their first album release. George emphasized his commitment to music as a means of reclaiming control over his life and artistic decisions. Expressing humility, he stated his willingness to undertake odd jobs, like barista work, if the need arises.
In conclusion, George’s resilience and creative resurgence with Lightlines highlight his dedication to music and self-empowerment in the face of personal challenges.